Consumer Education Research Articles

Understanding SMEs’ internationalization through digital platforms: the role of knowledge sharing and consumer education

PurposeThe aim of this study is to understand how digital platforms and context-specific characteristics of China – such as swift guanxi – affect opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) entering this market.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a qualitative approach based on a multiple-case study of Italian SMEs in the wine industry that have activated international activities in China. Primary data consist of 32 interviews with SMEs’ managers, local consumers and other stakeholders involved in firm internationalization.FindingsThe findings of this study highlight that in SMEs’ internationalization, the process of knowledge/learning on digital platforms takes place in a bidirectional way thanks to the interactions among multiple stakeholders, which activate consumer education and knowledge sharing.Originality/valueWhile previous research has emphasized firms' knowledge acquisition in the internationalization process, this study incorporates both the consumer perspective and the firm perspective, along with considering interactions with various stakeholders.

Review on the Implementation of the Consumer Act of the Philippines: Insights to Its Plausible Future

As a developing Southeast Asian nation, the Philippines have experienced economic growth, leading to challenges in ensuring consumer protection. This study reviewed the level of implementation of Consumer Act of the Philippines (Act) and explored insights to its plausible future. This used both quantitative and qualitative components. This was conducted in Capiz. For the survey, respondents comprised of consumers buying in Roxas City supermarkets and grocery stores selling basic commodities. For Focus Group Discussion (FGD), business owner representative, Department of Trade and Industry implementers, and consumer organization members participated. For the challenges encountered in Act’s implementation, respondents believed that the law protects their rights, but they lacked awareness of how to enforce it with perceived weaknesses on Act’s effectiveness in enforcing penalties. For the level of implementation, respondents believed that the Act effectively ensured the quality and safety of consumer products in the market, reduced deceptive, unfair, and conscionable sales acts or practices, provided efficient resolution for valid warranty claims, protected against misleading or deceptive packaging techniques, holds businesses accountable for product and service imperfection, prevents misleading advertisements and fraudulent sales promotion practices, regulates service and repair enterprises, and ensures effective consumer complaints handling. Consumers perceived that Act's provision on penalties was inadequate, ineffective in addressing broader issues, inadequately implements provision on warranties, labeling, and fair packaging, no provision on claims for damages, with gaps in addressing issues on sales promotion, service, and consumer complaints handling. Participants highlighted the need to promote consumer education, clearer guidelines on acceptable sales practices, and areas for improvement in online marketplaces, consumer awareness, and enhanced enforcement capabilities. Overall, strengthened consumer advocacy, enforcement training, and education, provision of harsher penalties, collaboration with other stakeholders, enhanced screening measures on online shopping platforms, and streamlined online dispute resolutions.

Understanding and Addressing Consumer Post-Purchase Dissonance in E-commerce: Influential Factors and Effective Measurements

With the rapid development of technology and the widespread adoption of the Internet, e-commerce has become an integral part of people's daily lives. In e-commerce scenarios, consumers can browse and purchase goods anytime and anywhere, enjoying unprecedented convenience. However, at the same time, the issue of post-purchase dissonance has gradually become prominent. This paper aims to explore the influencing factors and management measures of consumer post-purchase dissonance psychology in e-commerce scenarios. The article first reviews the theory of post-purchase dissonance and the theory of perceived psychological contract violation-, providing a theoretical foundation for subsequent research. Then, through a literature review, it identifies multiple factors affecting consumer post-purchase dissonance, including customer service quality, costs incurred from returns, and uncertainties in online shopping. To effectively manage post-purchase dissonance, enterprise managers should focus on improving service quality, optimizing the return process, and reducing shopping uncertainties. Additionally, strengthening consumer education and enhancing their cognitive ability regarding product information and decision-making skills in shopping are also important ways to reduce post-purchase dissonance.

Understanding and Addressing Consumer Post-Purchase Dissonance in E-commerce: Influential Factors and Effective Measurements

With the rapid development of technology and the widespread adoption of the Internet, e-commerce has become an integral part of people's daily lives. In e-commerce scenarios, consumers can browse and purchase goods anytime and anywhere, enjoying unprecedented convenience. However, at the same time, the issue of post-purchase dissonance has gradually become prominent. This paper aims to explore the influencing factors and management measures of consumer post-purchase dissonance psychology in e-commerce scenarios. The article first reviews the theory of post-purchase dissonance and the theory of perceived psychological contract violation-, providing a theoretical foundation for subsequent research. Then, through a literature review, it identifies multiple factors affecting consumer post-purchase dissonance, including customer service quality, costs incurred from returns, and uncertainties in online shopping. To effectively manage post-purchase dissonance, enterprise managers should focus on improving service quality, optimizing the return process, and reducing shopping uncertainties. Additionally, strengthening consumer education and enhancing their cognitive ability regarding product information and decision-making skills in shopping are also important ways to reduce post-purchase dissonance.

Intake of Artificial Sweeteners through Soft Drinks in the Preschool- and School-Aged Population.

One of the main public health issues that has recently been observed in a greater number of children is being overweight. The cause certainly lies in the decreasing physical activity of children, but mostly in their eating habits. Soft drinks are recognized as the most significant contributor to body overweight due to high sugar content; thus, as a result of numerous campaigns, part of the sugar is replaced by artificial sweeteners (ASs). Despite their advantage due to their low caloric value, WHO recommends that they should not be used to achieve weight control or as prevention for reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases, as there is no evidence of their effectiveness. Apart from beverages, artificial sweetener combinations are also added to a variety of "low fat" and "high protein" food products, which are highly favored especially among the young population. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of the cumulative intake. The conducted study included a survey of 323 parents of children aged 1-14 years, as well as an analysis of the AS content in the products most often consumed by the respondents. The results of the survey show that a large part of children (40%) aged 3-14 often consume soft drinks. Different products (soft drinks, juices/nectars, syrups) were sampled based on the respondents' responses, and an analysis showed that 54% of them contained one or more ASs. In addition, the survey indicated parents' lack of information about the presence of AS in products, as 51% of parents declared that they do not read the declarations of the products they buy. It is necessary to persist in consumer education and changes in dietary preferences and habits, especially among children.

반도체 제조공정 전문인력 양성을 위한 NCS 기반 교육 프로그램 개발

Objectives This study was conducted to develop an education program based on the NCS(National Competency Standards) that can be applied to students in semiconductor-related departments to train semiconductor manufacturing process experts. Methods To this end, a development team was formed including content experts in the semiconductor field and instructional design experts in the pedagogy field. In addition, NCS in the next-generation semiconductor manufacturing process field was selected through analysis of previous research on job competencies in the semiconductor field. Afterwards, an educational program was developed according to the procedures and methods of the RPISD(Rapid Prototype to Instructional System Design) model, an alternative instructional design model. Results The training program developed in this study consisted of two main components: group training for theoretical training and subgroup training for practical training. Theoretical education was designed as a mixture of online and offline methods to accommodate differences in learners' prerequisite knowledge, allowing students to repeat the course according to their individual level. In addition, content related to equipment operation and advanced learning was conducted offline to increase convergence with practical training. In addition, the entire program was operated as a team-based project learning to promote constructivist learning activities. In addition, programs such as career suitability assessment, counseling, and semiconductor company interview mentoring were also conducted to support employment activities. Conclusions This study is significant in that it developed an educational program that can develop job competencies for job seekers in semiconductor-related departments in a situation where there are very few opportunities to experience the semiconductor manufacturing process. In particular, it is more meaningful in that it was developed systematically by actively reflecting the opinions of education consumers, and that classes were structured using constructivist teaching and learning methods using online/offline blending and team-based project learning.

Influence of Artificial Intelligence Among Purchase Behaviour of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods

AI has transformed the FMCG industry in recent years by increasing productivity, reimagining long-standing procedures, and creating new avenues for innovation. Artificial intelligence is changing demand forecasting and inventory control in the FMCG sector. Information conveniently gathered from the 300 fast-moving consumer products buyers in the Palakkad District sample. The study's qualitative data were rated using a five-point Rensis Likert scale. With the use of SPSS software, one-way ANOVA and the Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney U test are used for statistical studies. The present investigation aims to understand the benefits perceived by customers of fast-moving consumer goods after the implementation of AI. It’s necessary to understand whether AI is effective in improving customer base for fast-moving consumer goods. The one-way ANOVA test results shows that is significant difference between levels of education and perception of consumers about Personalized Marketing and Consumer Engagement and Product Innovation and Development. The Wilcoxon Mann Whitney U test results shows that Gender has no impact on perception of consumers about benefits of AI in FMCG sector.

Digital practices for consumer e-participation in economic regulation and the role of organisational capacity

ABSTRACT How do national regulatory agencies (NRAs) use digital practices to empower consumers for e-participation in regulatory processes? To address this question, we designed a novel framework to comprehensively capture digital practices adopted by NRAs across the key regulatory procedures, including consumer information provision, communication, education, and rule-making, which we conceptualise as two-way relational mechanisms. To measure the scope of digital regulatory practices, we derived composite digital scores for 236 NRAs across 42 EU and OECD countries, based on coding the regulators’ websites and social media accounts. We also developed a new multidimensional construct of organisational capacity to explain the variation in the adoption of digital regulatory practices among NRAs with sole – and multi-sectoral competencies in five economic markets, ranging from utilities to financial services. Our findings show significant regional divergence in the adoption of digital regulatory practices by NRAs from the old and new EU member states, as well as the significant effect of NRA’s reform experience, resources allocations, sectoral competencies, and in-house capabilities on their digital scores. This study offers implications for both improving the effectiveness of regulatory procedures through consumer-oriented digital transformation, as well as government initiatives for enhancing digital trust and e-participation in economic regulation among consumers.

High-Tech Sustainable Beauty: Exploring Nanotechnology for the Development of Cosmetics Using Plant and Animal By-Products

In a world increasingly focused on eco-conscious living, the cosmetic industry is actively adopting nanotechnology to transform plant and animal by-products into high-value beauty products. This comprehensive review explores the innovative and sustainable approaches for extracting and utilizing bioactive compounds from these by-products. The application of nanocarrier systems is highlighted for their role in enhancing the delivery efficacy and safety of these ingredients in skincare and beauty products. Consumer demand and environmental concerns drive the shift towards natural and sustainable cosmetic products. Traditional cosmetic production often involves significant ecological impacts, prompting the industry to seek greener alternatives. This review addresses the critical need for sustainable beauty solutions that align with global sustainability goals, particularly those outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The review provides valuable insights into current trends and future directions in sustainable cosmetics by focusing on nanotechnology and by-products. The review uniquely integrates nanotechnology with sustainability practices in the cosmetic industry. It details the benefits of using nanocarriers to improve the stability, bioavailability, and efficacy of bioactive compounds derived from natural waste. This intersection of high-tech methodologies and sustainability offers a novel perspective on cosmetic innovation. Future research should focus on overcoming the technical, regulatory, and economic challenges of scaling up nanotechnology applications. Investigations should include the development of transparent supply chains, standardization methods for characterizing nanoparticles, and comprehensive lifecycle assessments to ensure environmental safety. Additionally, fostering collaboration between scientific research, industry practices, and consumer education is vital for advancing sustainable practices. This review contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable beauty by presenting a clear pathway for integrating these innovative approaches. It ensures that future cosmetic products meet consumer expectations for efficacy and safety and promote environmental stewardship and a circular economy, ultimately benefiting both the skin and the planet.

Open banking: an early review

PurposeThis paper offers an overview of the burgeoning literature on open banking, focusing on its implications for the financial sector.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the recent developments in the nascent literature of open banking. In particular, it discusses the following issues. (1) the extent to which open banking fosters competition, drives innovation and enhances financial inclusion; (2) the impact of institutional arrangements on the outcomes of open banking initiatives and (3) the critical role of government in promoting open banking and regulating banking activities.FindingsThe paper concludes with a discussion on potential directions for future research. First, open banking introduces significant challenges to the traditional banking model. Furthermore, the interplay between open banking and financial risk presents an area ripe for exploration. Lastly, the importance of consumer education in the context of open banking cannot be overstated.Originality/valueOpen innovation enables financial institutions generate productive innovations as well as provide customers with significantly better services, by getting access to previously restricted customer data. However, currently non-bank and fintech lenders often face significant barriers in accessing comprehensive customer data, which restricts their capacity to support non-standard credit models. More emphasis is required to be assigned to research on the economic impact of open banking.

Knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding cooking and storage of olive oil: A consumer survey in Lebanon

BackgroundOlive oil consumption and production are evident among Lebanese households, yet little is known about the knowledge, perceptions, and practices of Lebanese consumers of olive oil. MethodsA total of 610 adolescents and adults who consume olive oil were surveyed using a semi-qualitative questionnaire comprising 47 questions between August 2022 and May 2023. Descriptive analyses of knowledge, perceptions, and practices were conducted in addition to a regression analysis of the predictors of higher knowledge. Results610 participants were included (61.0 % aged <25 years, and 71.5 % females; 53.8 % olive oil producers). Mainly, participants bought their olive oil once (37.0 %) and in bulk (52.8 %), utilized olive oil daily (55.1 %), and used approximately 2 teaspoons per day (27.4 %). In addition, 29.5 % of the participants’ households consumed more than 30 L per year. Most participants described olive oil as ‘fresh’ (66.1 %), expressed a strong preference for domestic olive oil over imported varieties (66.1 %), believed that olive oil is good for consumption without cooking, other oils/fats are better to cook (53.4 %), and 53.1 % favored olive oil based on its color. Regarding storage, 76 % stored olive oil in a closed cabinet, and 36.6 % used tinplate containers. Half the participants were not concerned about the oil being adulterated (50.2 %); 73.4 % trusted olive mills, and 33.1 % had no trust at all in public food safety authorities concerning olive oil and table olives. Finally, 37.2 % considered that the price of olive oil was high relative to other fats and oils. The mean knowledge score ± standard deviation (SD) was 7.33 ± 2.71 over 10. Higher age than 25 years, male gender, living in the South or Bekaa, being married, having a higher reported BMI, obtaining olive oil from self/family/known sources and olive oil mills, purchasing in bulk, and storing in opaque glass containers colored green, or brown were positively associated with knowledge of olive oil. ConclusionOur study reveals high consumption of olive oil but poor related knowledge and practices among consumers. Consumer education programs on olive oil and relevant practices are warranted, especially for young, female, people living in Beirut, single, and lean individuals. Addressing consumer concerns regarding adulteration and strengthening trust in public food safety authorities are needed.

Priming tourists with traditional gastronomic delicacies: embracing a responsible approach towards sustainable consumption practice

PurposeAmidst the rising awareness of sustainable consumption, this study aims to delve into the dimensions shaping individuals' preferences for traditional gastronomic delicacies taking an emerging economy’s perspective, India.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research methodology in the form of a Grounded Theory Approach is used to develop theories. Important dimensions that drive attitude and intention towards experiencing traditional gastronomic delicacies are explored. Based on literary inputs and qualitative study, a research framework is developed and empirically validated thereon with SEM analysis using SPSS-AMOS.FindingsDrawing on the Theory of Consumption Values and Stakeholder Theory, key influencers (consumption values) of traditional gastronomic delicacies were identified as Travel Motivation (Functional Values), Tourist Expectations (Emotional Values), Socio-economic Perspectives (Socio-economic Values), Mindful Consumption Practice (Epistemic Values), Community Awareness (Epistemic Values) and Sustainable Marketing Stimuli (Conditional Values).Practical implicationsThis research has a multifaceted impact. At the macro-level, it supports stakeholders in Gastronomic Tourism (GT) – marketers, regional tourism bodies, policymakers and tour operators with distinct consumer values – in crafting regional culinary tourism, influencing economic policies and advocating for cultural conservation. At the micro-level, it aids scholars in initiating future research to elevate dining experiences, promote consumer education and tackle health and nutritional aspects within the evolving gastronomic industry.Originality/valueThis study makes a novel attempt to explore important drivers, categorizing the drivers into distinct consumer values that influence tourists and food connoisseurs towards traditional gastronomic delicacies by blending an innovative qualitative research methodology like grounded theory approach supported by the empirical validation process (quantitative). Additionally, it proposes a theoretical framework for future advancement of gastronomic literature.

Textile Sustainable Development Related to Culture: A Scientometric Approach

The sustainable development of textiles has been a notable concern for the textile industry and society in recent years. From green textiles and circular textiles to cultural textiles, academia has conducted many explorations. The problem of the connection between the cultural needs of increasingly educated consumers and the development of textiles has become increasingly prominent, which has also triggered many new social problems. This study aims to explore how culture promotes sustainability in textiles and can meet consumer demands. This study uses scientometric methods to conduct a thematic analysis of cultural factors in the development of textiles. From 2013 to 2023, the Web of Science and Scopus databases included a total of 306 articles related to the cultural factors in textiles. The results of this study are as follows: 40 main research keyword clusters appeared in the knowledge base, 6 research themes were identified, and a conceptual framework of culture in the development of textiles was constructed. At the same time, this study provides suggestions on how to better establish communication between textiles and culture. The results of this study will help textile practitioners better understand the current status, hot spots, and research trends of cultural sustainability in the textile industry while establishing closer connections with consumers.

Examining Household Composition, Parental Style, and Consumer Socialization Practices Towards Children’s Media Consumption

This study investigates the consumer socialization practices of parents in single versus multi-child and nuclear versus extended families in an emerging market. Previous consumer socialization research has focused primarily on western cultures. We examine parenting in a developing market and suggest that single-child families are more nurturant and maintain greater control of their children’s media exposure than multi-child families. The findings indicate that Modal Indian consumer socialization practices may be shifting from an Authoritarian to an Authoritative parental style with greater maternal intervention in media exposure and support for regulating children’s advertising. Implications for marketers, consumer educators, and public policy makers are discussed.

Implications for the Organization and Operation of Liberal Arts Curriculum by the Difference in Educational Consumers&amp;apos; Perception of the Identity and Content of Liberal Arts Education

The purpose of this study is to examine whether there are differences in the perception of the importance of liberal arts education by role and content for each educational consumer and to derive implications for how to reflect these differences in the organization and operation of the liberal arts curriculum. To achieve this, basic statistical analyses and one-way ANOVA were conducted on survey data collected from 1,720 students, faculty, graduates, and industry representatives in Busan, Korea. The results confirmed differences in perception among each educational consumer regarding which role of general education is considered more important. In particular, students perceived all roles of general education except for ‘complementing major education’ as less important compared to other consumer groups. Clear differences were also observed in the importance attributed to specific content areas by each group. While Faculty and industry representatives perceived the importance of humanities most highly, students and graduates prioritized employment-related areas such as practical skills, IT utilization skills, and foreign language abilities. Moreover, they perceived the importance of humanities and social sciences, which correspond to the traditional liberal arts and education areas, as less significant. Based on this difference in perception of the educational consumer groups, four implications for practitioners to consider in the process of development and implementation of liberal arts education were proposed.

대학 원격수업 컨설팅 및 효과성 평가 연구

Objectives Following the COVID-19 pandemic, a shift to distance learning occurred, and some classes continue to be held remotely. Although universities have conducted class consulting to adapt traditional lecture-based courses to remote formats, research evaluating the effectiveness of these consultations from the perspective of learners, the educational consumers, is lacking. This study aims to develop evaluation items for assessing the effectiveness of remote classes and to verify the effectiveness of class consulting. Methods Variables for evaluating the effectiveness of the remote transition of courses were identified through a review of prior research and case analysis. Based on these variables, effectiveness evaluation items were developed, followed by validation by experts. Consulting was then provided to instructors and courses at S University that had applied for it, and the effectiveness of remote classes was assessed using the developed evaluation items. Results Through expert validation, the final evaluation factors identified were “perceived academic achievement,” “learning satisfaction,” “learning engagement,” “intention to continue learning,” “learning immersion,” and “self- regulated learning,” with specific items developed for each factor. The study found that all six areas improved significantly in undergraduate classes, while in graduate classes, all areas except self-regulated learning showed significant improvement. Conclusions Consulting for the improvement of classes, including remote classes, will continue to be important in the future. There is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of consulting for remote classes using the evaluation tool presented in this study.

Energy and Sugar Content of Ready-To-Drink Tea and Coffee Marketed in South Tangerang, Indonesia

Excessive sugar consumption, primarily through sugar-sweetened beverages, has been linked to the occurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The Ministry of Health of Indonesia recommends that the maximum sugar consumption for the general population not exceed 50 g per day. One type of sugar-sweetened beverage that has been massively distributed in Indonesia is ready-to-drink (RTD) tea and coffee. This study examined the energy and sugar content of the RTD coffee and tea marketed in the modern retail market and their contribution to the Indonesian recommended dietary allowance. This study was conducted in June 2022. Ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee and tea were purchased from five supermarkets and three minimarkets in South Tangerang City, Banten, Indonesia. Data obtained from the product label was recorded and then analysed descriptively. 47 coffee (17 brands) and 58 tea (20 brands) products were obtained during the survey. Most coffee (55.3%) and tea (86.2%) products are distributed in plastic bottles. The median serving size of coffee (240 mL) is slightly smaller than that of tea (250 mL). On average, one serving size of coffee and tea products contributes to 35.7% and 34.8% of the recommended dietary allowance of sugar, respectively. Consumers are advised to take caution while consuming RTD coffee and tea products as they might contribute to excessive sugar consumption. The government must impose regulations to limit sugar content in food and beverage products and increase consumer education to reduce sugar consumption, especially sugar-sweetened products.

Financial Literacy in the Age of Digital Finance: A Global Perspective

Global financial landscapes have changed recently due to the digitalization of financial services, which presents opportunities and difficulties for improving financial literacy. To comprehend how digitalization affects people's financial knowledge, abilities, and behaviors across various socioeconomic and cultural contexts, this study investigates the effects of digital finance on financial literacy levels globally. The main goal is to look into how digital finance affects financial literacy around the world. To clarify the main factors influencing financial literacy in digital contexts, this study will examine the body of existing literature and empirical research. Additionally, it seeks to evaluate the success of ongoing financial literacy programs and suggest methods for improving financial literacy in the face of growing digitization. The study makes use of qualitative research techniques, which include a thorough evaluation of the literature that includes scholarly articles, reports, and policy papers. In addition, document analysis of industry reports and regulatory frameworks pertaining to digital finance and financial literacy is part of it. Effective personal financial management requires financial literacy, which is becoming more and more important when it comes to digital finance. Peer-to-peer lending, digital wallets, and mobile banking are examples of digital finance. While they increase financial inclusion, they also come with a learning curve that must be overcome in order to fully reap the rewards. Research highlights the beneficial relationship between better financial decision-making and financial literacy, which is aided by digital learning resources. Consumer education on digital financial hazards is particularly important in light of challenges with consumer protection and data privacy. Programs for financial literacy that are effective should be customized for a range of demographics and make use of digital platforms to increase relevance and involvement. Developing strong regulatory frameworks to protect digital financial transactions, raising consumer awareness through focused educational initiatives, and improving financial literacy programs to incorporate training in digital financial skills are some of the recommendations. Improving digital infrastructure and adapting educational activities to local contexts are necessary to address global inequities. It is advised to do longitudinal study to evaluate long-term effects, and novel pedagogical strategies such as gamification ought to be investigated to improve financial practices worldwide. This conclusion of the study emphasizes how critical it is to address issues and take advantage of opportunities in digital banking in order to improve global financial literacy. By putting these suggestions into practice, stakeholders can create a robust and inclusive financial ecosystem that protects consumer interests and encourages responsible financial conduct while enabling people all around the world to successfully manage digital banking. In the digital era, this study supports evidence-based policies and practices that promote financial inclusion and sustainable economic development.

Perlindungan Hukum Bagi Para Pihak Terhadap Terjadinya Sistem Error Pada Penyelenggaraan M-Banking

A rapidly developing economy cannot be separated from the support of capital provided through banking credit. However, system errors in the operation of M-banking can cause losses for both customers and banks. This study aims to analyze the legal protection for parties against system errors in M-banking operations and the responsibilities that must be met. The research method used is normative legal research with a statutory approach and conceptual approach. The legal sources used include primary and secondary legal sources, collected through literature study and analyzed using descriptive analytical methods. The results of the study indicate that although there are regulations governing the responsibilities of M-banking service providers, legal protection for customers needs to be strengthened, particularly in terms of dispute resolution mechanisms and compensation. This research recommends enhancing system security and consumer education to minimize risks and the establishment of more specific regulations regarding the responsibilities of M-banking providers in dealing with system errors.

Evaluating consumers' acceptability of laser-labeled apple fruit

Fresh produce is traditionally labeled with plastic Price LookUp (PLU) stickers that are environmental contaminants and can easily detach during handling and disrupt traceability. The CO2 laser-labeling technology (LLT), an alternate method of produce labeling, has been gaining attention. However, the performance of this technology varies by produce, and consumer perception and acceptability remain understudied. The study evaluated consumers' perception and acceptability of the laser-labeled apple fruit that were purchased locally, laser-printed with a QR code, and coated with edible wax. A consumer study (N = 75) was conducted using 1) Apple with QR-code, 2) Apple with PLU plastic sticker, and 3) non-labeled control. Respondents received randomized treatment samples and completed questionnaires. The study revealed that QR-code labels were less preferred than sticker labels and no labels. Overall liking, label liking, and purchase intent were significantly lower for QR-code labels. However, after providing information about the QR-code benefits, rankings for all labels became statistically similar. Despite 52 % of respondents preferring QR-code labels for their sustainability benefits, they were less likely to recommend them than sticker labels. Laser labeling technology has the potential for industrial application from the consumers' perspectives, and providing consumer education is crucial for its success.